The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and making memories with loved ones. As we deck the halls with decorations, it’s important to keep safety in mind to ensure our celebrations stay merry. From the twinkling lights to the beautifully adorned Christmas trees, our holiday decorations can pose various hazards if not handled properly. Here are a few tips to help you decorate safely so you can enjoy your festivities, worry-free.
These holiday decorating safety tips are brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Tree Safety
The tree is the star of the show, but can pose a fire risk if not handled properly. Most importantly, you want to keep your tree at least a few feet away from any fireplaces or radiators. When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, make sure it is labeled as “fire resistant.” If you’re a real tree household, here are some things to keep in mind..
- You want to choose a fresh tree. One with strong, green needles that don’t fall off easily when touched.
- Before placing your tree in its’ stand, you’ll want to make a fresh cut about 2 inches from the base of the trunk. This allows your tree to better soak up its water.
- Most importantly- WATER your tree daily!
Lights and Candles Safety
Twinkling lights and candles are staples for the holiday season. However, the warm glow of the holidays presents the risk of fire hazards. When it comes to Christmas lighting and candles, safety should be the top priority. Here are some important tips and guidelines for Christmas lighting, as well as candle usage..
- Look for lights that are labeled flame resistant or flame retardant and be sure to purchase the right lights for the space you plan to decorate. Lights being hung outside need to be certified outdoors!
- Check your lights before you put them up, replace any strands with worn out wires or loose bulbs.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the number of strands that can be safely connected.
- Always turn off or unplug all lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
- When lighting candles, ensure that the candle is on a sturdy surface where it cannot be easily knocked over and at least one foot away from anything flammable. Additionally, remember to never leave a burning candle unattended- put it out before leaving the house or going to bed.
Safe Decorations and Additional Tips
Here are a few additional safety things to keep in mind while celebrating.
- Check the batteries in your smoke alarms. With all of the fire hazards from the lights and candles, it’s best to be prepared just in case!
- During holiday festivities, try to keep walkways clear to prevent tripping and remove wrapping paper, bags and bows so they don’t pose a choking hazard to small children.
- Consider choosing child safe decorations if you know there will be small children in your home over the holidays. Try to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable and keep any decorations with small, removable parts out of reach.
- Be aware that some holiday plant decorations are potentially poisonous. This includes mistletoe berries, Jerusalem cherries and holly berries. It’s best to keep these plants out of homes with pets and small children. If you suspect ingestion, contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
Holiday decorating is a festive activity that brings people together and spreads joy. Prioritizing safety while decorating is the best way to ensure a happy and worry-free holiday season. By carefully maintaining your lights, using flame resistant decorations and being mindful of other potential safety hazards, you can create a beautiful and secure holiday environment. Always remember to turn off lights and blow out candles when leaving the home or going to sleep. With these safety tips in mind you can enjoy the cheer of the holidays, knowing that your home is both festive and safe!
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